Statement by Secretary of Defense Panetta on the Death of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud

Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–October 22, 2011.  

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Saudi Arabia’s deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.  During the nearly fifty years that Prince Sultan led the Ministry of Defense and Aviation, he transformed the Armed Forces of Saudi Arabia into a modern and highly capable military.  He was a good friend and partner of the United States, and worked…